An Enlightened Airline Security Person
I just returned today from St. Louis to San Francisco, and when checking through
the airline security station at St. Louis, the alarm went off; the security
person standing there said immediately:
"No problem, this person has an insulin pump. Check the second station,
please."
I was directed to a second detector opening, and I passed through with no
problem.
I asked the security person how he knew I had a pump. His answer: "I am a Med
Tech as well as an inspector".
The pump was in my pocket, and I don’t think the tubing was visible, but he
figured it out immediately.
This is a first for me. A real advancement in airport security knowledge!
David
December 27th, 2004 at 6:15 pm
My wife is an airline pilot, so I go through airport security alot. I was
surprised to find that my mm508 does NOT get detected by the walk-through
metal detectors, at least not the ones at Houston IAH. If you think about
it, there’s not just a whole lot of metal in an insulin pump, probably no
more than in a watch.
Here’s a tip: when you go though the metal detector, walk sideways. That way
you’re not placing every metallic object you might be still carrying (watch,
belt buckle, pump, jewelry, etc) on the same plane with the detector at the
same time.
Last Thursday when I walked through the detector, the alarm went off because
I had forgotten to remove some change from my pocket. To my surprise the
guard said "I figured it was your insulin pump". I was impressed that he
knew what it was. I guess they do see just about everything come through.
Blake
December 28th, 2004 at 2:12 am
David,
That is advancement for St. Louis airport. I was flying out of there to the
state of Washington, shortly after getting a pump (I have been pumping
almost 19 yrs.) the alarms went off and they did not even take me off to
the side. They told me to spread eagle and they frisk me right there in the
mainstream. My son was so embarrassed he almost died. He was just about
seven at the time and he was flying out with me. They were so rude to me.
That is the only airport I have been in that my pump has sounded an alarm.
Gail
December 28th, 2004 at 9:29 am
Blake,
Very interesting stuff.
When this happened there were two metal detectors; the first one picked up the
pump, the second did not. The second one seemed to be a different design, and
perhaps not as sensitive.
I have had several experiences with the pump being detected, but usually is not.
On the occasions where it is detected, there was total confusion on the part of
the security person, not knowing what they were dealing with.
In this case, the security person was able to recognize it immediately.
David
December 28th, 2004 at 6:27 pm
David,
Just another tidbit. You think it is hard getting on or in places with a
pump, you ought to try with a dog. I always have to tell someone someplace
to get their superviser to ok my hearing dog. Then the superviser’s alway
apologise over and over for the delay or refusal of service because of my
dog. It is against the law to refuse her any place I am allowed. But it
seems few know this.
Gail
December 29th, 2004 at 1:45 am
Gail,
My impression is that things have improved remarkably over the years, but this
incident was a major step forward…
David
December 29th, 2004 at 10:29 am
<< I always have to tell someone someplace
to get their superviser to ok my hearing dog. Then the superviser’s alway >>
I guess I’m not up on things…what is a hearing dog? Chrissy
January 1st, 2005 at 11:52 am
Chrissy,
A hearing dog, under federal guidelines, is what is known as an assist dog.
Assist dogs are trained in special schools, licensed by the Veterans
Administration. They are trained for the needs of various handicaps. They
are to be considered comparable to crutches, canes and wheel chairs. They
must be allowed anywhere I am allowed and they can not be charged extra in
taxis, on airplanes, in motels, etc.
There are three types of assist dogs. The guide dog which most people are
more informed. The service dog that works for those that cannot walk, bend
over to pick things up, various things. Many service dogs work for para or
quadrapalegics. A hearing dog works for deaf or severally hearing impaired
people. She is trained for my needs. In the home she lets me know when the
door bell rings, the phone rings, the fire alarm rings, etc. Out side the
home she makes me aware when there are other people close to me that I do
not hear or see. She does help me with getting around due to my vision
loss. She is not certified as a guide dog though. She has just learned this
being around me. Couldn’t afford a sight/hearing dog, $15,000 at the time I
got Glory. Glory was $5000. There are list you can be placed on where they
get donations for the price, but some are those are five year waits. I
didn’t want to wait these long.
Hope this isn’t too long.
Gail
January 2nd, 2005 at 3:53 am
Gail,
No it wasnt too long at all. I knew about some of those things but not all.
Are you deaf and blind? Just curious. I have a friend at my church who is
blind because of her diabetes. Her Dr misdiagnosed her problem in the
begining when she first started having trouble and now she is almost totally
blind. She can see shadows and shapes to a varying degree. She has a guide
dog. I’ve had other blind friends in my life too. I’ve also had deaf
friends. I know some sign language but not a whole lot. Enough to have a
limited conversation. Thanks for all your info!!! Chrissy
January 3rd, 2005 at 8:45 pm
Chrissy,
I am legally blind, but can see most shapes and now since my cataract
surgery I can see colors. The loss was mainly due to the over lasering of
my eyes. This was done by my first retinal specialist I went to. I have
since changed to a wonderful Dr. and he has saved what I have left, so far.
I have a nerve damage hearing loss. I wear two hearing aides, but can hear
almost nothing without them. My hearing loss is hereditary and
progressively worsens with aging. I learn hand signing for a friend when
younger, but would not help me now with my hearing loss. Also learned
braille, but with neuropathy of my hands it is harder and harder for me to
read. So I live for my PC and friends on line.
Gail
January 4th, 2005 at 4:39 am
<< So I live for my PC and friends on line.
Gail
>>
Well we all love having you here!! This is truely a wonderful thing for me
too.
Chrissy